Parenting Elementary School Aged Children: How to Encourage Children to Read

Reading is a skill that is learned in the fourth, fifth, and sixth years of a child's life. It is learned early and lasts a lifetime. In life reading is a remarkably important skill. One who does not know how to read will never make it to the business world. They will have a very hard time gaining employment, etc. One who has good, strong, solid reading skills will go farther than one who does not.

Reading is a pass time and also a form of entertainment. Reading is something to do, as an activity, or it is a way to educate oneself. Reading can be beneficial whether it is by providing enjoyment, or knowledge.

The children that are learning to read are also learning attitudes about reading. From school they learn that reading is important, and they also should at home. The school only has so much of an influence on a child's attitude towards reading. It is up to the parents of the child to really set the stage for their children's reading futures.

They way to encourage children to read more is by keeping up that positive attitude about reading. When children are hearing both school and parents telling them how important it is to read and to have good, strong reading skills it will totally sink in. When only the school is encouraging reading and the parents are not the child will not fully grasp how important the skill is. Verbally expressing the importance of reading is a way to encourage your children to read.

When parents themselves read they are also in a way encouraging their children to read. I know that every time I begin to read a book my little ones go running to the bookshelf and pick books for themselves to read too. They'll sit with me on the couch and we will all read together, separately. Setting a good example is a form of encouragement.

When children are bored I often find that they will take the opportunity to read a great book when offered. This is both a way of keeping children occupied and not bored, and a way of encouraging them to read.

The more your children practice reading the stronger their skills will grow. Asking your child to read you a story gives them the opportunity to show off their developing reading skills and a chance for you to tell them how great they are doing. Both things are equally as important.

When parents encourage children to read they will. There are many, many ways that parents can do so. I have given you only a few from the very long list. Enjoy and take care J